 |
|
MRC Units in the News |
|
September 14, 2009
MRC Shines at Alexandria Flu Exercise on 9/11.
On September 11th, Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Assistant Secretary Dr. Howard Koh of the Department of Health and Human Services, honored the MRC by attending Alexandria health department’s seasonal flu vaccination exercise.
Dr. Kelly Woodward, Incident Commander, briefs the staff before starting the clinic. (Left)
TC Williams High School in Alexandria hosted the clinic in their gymnasium during school hours.
Not only was the space and 
access perfect for the exercise, but their colors match the MRC logo!
The MRC program office, Alexandria MRC and Citizen Corps provided
program and preparedness information at the exit area.
USPHS officers assisted with staffing exit flow. (Right)
In 2 hours, 585 seasonal flu vaccinations were administered to school staff, first responders, city officials, community members, volunteers, and state and national public health officials.
60 staff members consisting of Alexandria health department and MRC, Arlington MRC, Rap-Rap MRC, Peninsula MRC, VDH EP&R, MRC and USPHS worked together to efficiently operate the clinic.
*Photos, unless otherwise noted, were taken by Pierre Paret, Alexandria Citizen Corps Council Member and CERT volunteer.
After walking thru the line and talking to clients Secretary Sebelius, Ast. Secretary Koh and Dr. Remley all received their flu shots. Pictured Left is Michelle Adams RN, Alexandria MRC, giving Secretary Sebelius her shot. This picture is also on the front page of www.flu.gov underneath the Secretary’s Call to Action video encouraging healthcare professionals to join the Medical Reserve Corps!
Dr. Howard Koh, Ast. Secretary for DHHS and Boston MRC volunteer, Dr. Karen Remley, State Health Commissioner, Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, and Claudia Vento, Rappahannock—Rapidan MRC Coordinator, discuss the Staff Check-in process and MRC volunteer support of emergency preparedness and public health activities. (Right)
Amanda O’Brien, RN and Alexandria MRC volunteer gives Capt. Robert Tosatto, Director of the MRC program, his flu shot. (Left) He and other staff members from OCVMRC, USPHS and NACCHO attended the event and provided staffing support. (Photo by M. T. Harmon, the Corporation on National and Community Service).
Andy Duncan, Alexandria MRC volunteer staffed the forms review table and had the honor of speaking on behalf of MRC volunteers and introducing Ast. Secretary Dr. Koh to the press.
September 11th was officially recognized as the National Day for Service and Remembrance. During Dr. Koh’s speech he reminded us that the MRC was started because of 9-11 and the need to coordinate medical volunteers for emergency response. This event and the MRC is highlighted on serve.gov. Read and see more at http://www.serve.gov/stories_detail.asp?tbl_servestories_id=226. The MRC is an example of the community care and resiliency that was felt on the days following September 11th.
At the end of the day everyone gathered on the bleachers (pictured right) for a “Thank You” speech from Capt. Robert Tosatto, OCVMRC, and the exercise hot wash facilitated by Amy Tarte, MRC Coordinator, Cyndi Lake, Emergency Planner and Alan Whitehead Alexandria HD Pharmacist and Operations Chief.